BLITAR – Blitar City KONI leadership has entered a new phase after the East Java branch of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) officially issued a decree confirming the management board for the 2026–2030 term.
The decision marks an important development in a process that has generated debate since the City Sports Conference (Musorkot) elected M. Samanhudi Anwar as chairman. Despite the controversy surrounding the election, East Java KONI has formally recognized the results and approved the new leadership structure.
An official decree dated June 2 has circulated widely among local sports stakeholders. The document names M. Samanhudi Anwar as chairman of KONI Blitar City for the next four years.
Samanhudi confirmed that East Java KONI had issued the decree and finalized the management lineup. He said he has only received a copy of the document because the original remains in Surabaya.
“The decree is still in Surabaya and needs to be collected,” the former mayor of Blitar said on Wednesday.
According to Samanhudi, the issuance of the decree should put an end to questions about the legitimacy of the election process. He argued that his candidacy, the Musorkot election, and the administrative procedures followed all complied with organizational rules and sports regulations.
“With this decree, the public can see that the entire process followed the rules. Legally and formally, there is no issue with my appointment,” he said.
The newly approved management board now awaits an inauguration ceremony. Samanhudi said he and other officials continue coordinating preparations for the event.
He also reiterated plans to step down shortly after the inauguration takes place. According to him, the remaining board members will continue managing the organization and preparing athletes for the upcoming East Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov).
“We are still coordinating the inauguration. The important thing is to complete it soon. After that, I will resign, and the other administrators will continue the work and athlete development programs,” he said.
One of the most notable names in the new management structure is Blitar Deputy Mayor Elim Tyu Samba. The decree lists her as First Vice Chairperson of KONI Blitar City.
Speculation has emerged that Elim could later serve as acting head of the organization if Samanhudi follows through on his plan to resign. Samanhudi said her involvement has formed part of a shared commitment from the beginning.
“Ms. Elim agreed from the start to join the management team. She has a strong commitment to advancing sports in Blitar City,” he said.
The leadership issue has remained a sensitive topic since the Musorkot election. Critics questioned Samanhudi’s candidacy and opposed his selection. However, supporters pointed to organizational rules and administrative requirements that validated the process.
The dispute later affected discussions over KONI grant funding and led the Blitar City Government to withdraw several assets that KONI had previously used under a loan agreement.
With the official decree now in place, local sports officials hope the organization can move beyond the controversy and focus on athlete development and preparations for future regional competitions.